SXSW Day 4: Philly Knows How to Mix and Mingle

A build-your-own cheesesteak bar and a set by legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff were two highlights of Amplify’s Philly’s VIP event hosted at the Old School Bar & Grill. Eager SXSWers formed a line that wrapped around the block to enter the sold-out show on Austin’s bustling 6th Street Monday night.

DJ Royale kicked the night off with a mix that had guests on the dance floor within minutes, and Jazzy Jeff and DJ Aktive kept the energy going all night. It was easy to spot the Amplify Philly team in their blue t-shirts as they mingled with attendees throughout the crowd. Conversations centered on the impact Philly is making at SXSW.

Image via Rec Philly.

Image via Rec Philly.

“After seeing this event, the pride you guys have for your city is undeniable,” a conference goer from San Francisco told me. The music side of the conference gives Philly another opportunity to showcase its talent on the national stage. And the VIP event is just a taste of the music talent that Philly has to offer at SXSW. Tuesday night, Amplify Philly, along with Philly music promo group REC Philly, will wrap up its SXSW presence at a music showcase featuring acts like Lititz, Bilal, and The Districts. We’ll have a recap on that tomorrow.

Here’s are some other happenings from Philly’s fourth day in Austin:

The tradeshow was underway for its second day, and Philly companies were ready to once again share their innovations.

Philly’s own breast milk management and analytics company, Keriton, won SXSW’s Impact Pediatric Health pitch competition. The startup’s founder, Penn grad student Vidur Bhatnagar, beat out more than 100 other startups and will take home $15,000. The win has also opened up lines of communication for the startup with some of the country’s top children’s hospitals.